Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Keli Kalasanghatan Vedhi in Riyadh has raised protests against the sharp increase in the premium amount of the NORKA Care Health Insurance scheme implemented by the Kerala government for expatriate Malayalees. Under Keli's leadership, a broad public signature campaign has begun, demanding the withdrawal of the increased premium rates and ensuring health insurance coverage at an affordable cost for ordinary expatriates as well.
The organization assesses that the premium hike in the scheme, which was initiated aiming at the health security and financial stability of expatriates and their family members, will be a setback for a large section of expatriates. Keli also expressed concern that those unable to pay the higher premiums may neither be able to join the scheme nor continue receiving protection.
Keli pointed out that the premium hike, done without adequate consideration of expatriates’ income, living expenses, and financial constraints, cannot be justified. It stated that it is the government's responsibility to provide health coverage at moderate rates to expatriates who work hard abroad to support their families and significantly contribute to Kerala’s economy.
With treatment costs rising daily, the health insurance scheme, which should provide financial relief to expatriates, must not become an additional burden. Insurance protection is essential, especially for ordinary expatriates working on low wages and their families. The organization urged the government to intervene urgently to prevent such groups from being excluded due to premium hikes.
Keli emphasized that the government, which must prioritize expatriate welfare and rights, should take measures to make the health insurance scheme more popular and accessible to all. The decision to increase premium rates must be reconsidered, ensuring insurance protection in accordance with expatriates’ financial conditions.
The principal demand of Keli is to revoke the increased premium and either restore the previous rates or set new affordable rates for ordinary expatriates. To draw the Kerala government's attention and ensure review of the decision, Keli has initiated an extensive signature campaign titled "Mass Petition."
Transcending political differences, Keli aims for popular intervention uniting expatriate Malayalees worldwide. The campaign welcomes participation from expatriates, expatriate organizations, social and cultural activists, and public workers not only in Saudi Arabia but also from other countries.
The organization is striving to maximize public participation on issues concerning expatriates’ health security to attract government attention. Keli stated that collective engagement is essential to present the rightful demands of expatriates before authorities and to request reconsideration of the insurance premium decision.
Keli appealed for all expatriates to actively participate in this public movement for securing financial and health protection. They urged people to support the campaign by signing the mass petition and cooperate in forcefully bringing the expatriate community’s needs to the government's notice.
Link to sign the mass petition: https://www.keliriyadh.com/keli-for-a-change https://www.keliriyadh.com/keli-for-a-change
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
